Peer pressure is the influence to go along with the beliefs and actions of one’s peers. Peer pressure may be positive when it inspires a person to do something worthwhile. Positive peer pressure uses encouraging words and expressions. Negative peer pressure tries to get a person to do something harmful. It may involve threats, bribes, teasing, and name-calling.

Friendships are an important part of life

They should help us to become better people.

Good friendships bring us happiness & joy.

Dangerous relationships where friends pressure us to make poor choices often bring us anxiety and sadness and guilt.

Peer Pressure vs. Peer Influence We can exert a negative pressure or a positive influence upon each other, for example:

Peer Pressure

Using drugs

Misbehaving in class

Stealing

Making fun of someone

Peer Influence

Doing your best at school

Playing sports

Being inclusive

Helping those in need

​Facing Tough Situations

Suggest something else:

No thanks, I’d just rather not. Let’s go talk to Erika instead.

Use humor:

No thanks, I want to make sure everyone can smell my fabulous perfume.

Talk about the consequences:

No, I think that if we have a party and don’t include Sarah that she will be really disappointed. I wouldn’t want to be left out.

Stand up for yourself:

No, I think I’ll pass. (If the person keeps pressuring you) I’m not going to do that, and I wish you would stop pressuring me.

Blame your parents:

No. If I do this I’m sure my parents will find out and I’ll be grounded forever.

Change the subject:

No, thanks. Did you watch that new show last night?

Reverse the pressure:

Why would anyone want to smoke? It smells bad, it’s expensive, illegal, and can give you lung cancer.